67 th Independence day celebrations and General’s absence

(Lanka-e-News- 07.Feb.2015, 10.00PM) After the new government for good governance  took  over the reins , two State celebrations were held in close succession. One was the visit of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka (SL) , and the other was  the 67 th independence day celebrations on the 4 th of February.

This year’s independence celebrations was markedly different from those of the previous years . Unlike in the earlier annual independence day celebrations where  public funds were wasted most recklessly by the diddling previous government on unwarranted aggrandizement and ostentation  , under  the new Maithripala’s government in order to halt  this profligacy and exhibitionism in the best interests of the nation as a matter of policy  , the celebrations were held on a modest scale giving priority to austerity – the key to a nation’s prosperity . The unnecessary expenses involved in aerial  displays by the air force or displays of the navy were omitted. Even the school children  were enlisted only to sing the jaya mangala gatha . Another  most noteworthy feature was , President Maithripala addressing  the nation without a teleprompter.   It was most significant to note in  this year’s celebration , in profound contrast to the celebrations under the Rajapakses which showed only   the militarization under  spotlight , at this year’s celebration  under Maithri , the military might was demonstrated as an integral  part of the government’s goal aimed at achieving national unity   . It is on account  of this welcome change  , the Tamil national alliance leader , R. Sambandan after 25 long years ,participated in the celebrations.

According to the seating plans made by the new officers  who did not have much knowledge of seating arrangements , opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva and Sambanthan a leader of a party had to occupy seats in the rear row. They of course who are veteran politicians and broad minded did not consider this seating in the rear as something worthy of worry.

However General Sarath Fonseka  who is still weighed down by bad  memories did not attend this year’s independence day celebrations.

Based on reports ,the reason for this is , although  every punishment in regard to him was  waived , as well as medals of recognition and pension were restored to Fonseka  ,but because  he was not awarded the post of Field marshal , he had refused to be present at a celebration which  Jagath Jayasuriya , the  former army commander was also gracing , and who is still not packed and sent home. Jagath Jayasuriya  was the army officer of the military court who heard Fonseka’s trial that led to the latter’s jail sentence.
When considering the circumstances surrounding the death of the husband of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike , and her subsequent alliance with the JVP (the alleged killers) to form a government , vis a vis Fonseka’s jailing , and  the present restoration of his  rights to heal  that scar , it is a point to ponder  whether that  politician can still  harp on that memory . 

It is not the objective of Maithri –Ranil alliance to be vindictive taking revenge on their opponents  . This was clearly confirmed and borne testimony to , when Major general Sumedha Perera who was allegedly utilized for the military conspiracy hatched by  the Rajapakses , was permitted to lead the guard of honor at the independence celebrations.

If the appointment as a field marshal is truly an issue , this appointment should have been granted by the government that was engaged in the war , and not by the government that was not involved in the war , which has now taken over the reins whose objective is to establish national amity and unity in its  100 days interim program . 

The war that was fought in SL was not between two countries , but rather an internal war with a terrorist leader  controlling one race forcibly and trying to capture power. There was never a war waged by a Tamil race as a whole because a  majority of those speaking the Tamil language were residing  in Colombo  and hill country. Hence , based on world accepted criteria  , the 30 years old war was an internal rebellion and not a proclaimed war. Under those circumstances , nowhere in the world is a field marshal honor bestowed.

Moreover, Fonseka is now a civilian  politician . When that is his true status , seeking military titles at this juncture is inappropriate and unbecoming to him. It is therefore best if Fonseka instead of falling into the traps set by wrong counselors , thinks prudentially and providentially , when addressing the political issues.
Herein are some photographs depicting the independence day celebrations .

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by     (2015-02-07 16:39:59)